Flagrantly wicked or impious

Open headers. Moon discs. Full roll cage…”Nefarious II” had it all. While strolling the avenue earlier this month at the New England Summer Nationals in Worcester, MA, certain cars stood out for different reasons. A mid-80’s Impala put its hydraulics on display leaving opposite wheels hanging in mid-air, the row of S-10s was capped off by a rare Syclone, and a Toyota Corona appeared in two-tone blue. All of these cars captured my attention, but the following early 30’s mostly Ford(?) coupe was one of my favorites.

“Flagrantly wicked or impious” is what m-w.com lists as the definition of “nefarious,” the name which appeared in approximately 4″ tall blue lettering below the backseat window of this Moon-equipped sled. I’ll do my best to share with you just how this car called me over.While walking amongst an honorable row of hot machines on Friday, July 6, this flat-black coupe hung out quietly, just watching the other guys hunt for places to park. Since the city of Worcester allowed open headers during the Summer Nationals, there was plenty to hear as well as see, but I’m only sorry I didn’t get to hear the Pontiac power in “Nefarious II” come to life.

Topped by dual carbs that bolted up to perhaps a custom-built intake, this coupe looked like it made full use of the wide rear rubber mounted at either end of the 9″ rear axle. A couple of Nefarious II’s details kept me there a while longer, even while a slew of other cool rides idled by. “Do not resuscitate” was the order given out back, near the vanity plate that made reference to the kind of relationship the owner had with this car. The feeling I got was that this rod wasn’t built under strict rat rod standards – it just was what it was – and that’s how it got to be so wicked.

A look inside was a must-do, as the right-side door was left open, showing off the clean sheet metal interior door panels, accented by the louvered pieces which took over the openings where side glass used to reside. The period steering wheel was beautiful – but don’t miss the Gene Winfield autograph. Back to the front end, not every hot rod has a pair of vintage headlamps like this. What do you say to those big, kinda-grimy, hazel lenses? I just want to see them turned on, all yellowy, nasty, and of course, wicked.

How do you like this rod? Is it your style? Since the owner was not with the car, there was no chance for a vehicle-to-driver profile.

Don’t forget about the mouse trap – shouldn’t every rat rod have one?

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Author: Brendan Moore

Brendan Moore is a Principal Consultant with Cedar Point Consulting , a management consulting practice based in the Washington, DC area. He also manages Autosavant Consulting, a separate practice within Cedar Point Consulting. where he advises businesses connected to the auto industry. Cedar Point Consulting can be found at http://www.cedarpointconsulting.com.